Justice without Power

Time to attack! Everyone ready?

Yeah! Ready when you are!

I knew you'd have no trouble catching up, Tina. You've already got the hang of these Pasio-style team battles.

That said, I can't afford to lose! Come on, everyone!

Yeah!

Wait, Paulo. Rockruff looks tired.

Shouldn't we heal him up? He's not looking so good...

(Right now, Rockruff's stamina is low, so if I have him attack, he might get knocked out.)

(On top of that, it'd be putting a lot of pressure on him.)

(But...that's the only way we can win here.)

That is what it means to think efficiently.

An incomplete spirit will only get in the way of making the right choices.

No. No need to heal him.

Huh? But...

Ready or not, here we come!

(Even if Rockruff faints, we can still win as long as we take out Tina's Flareon.)

Rockruff! Jump in and attack!

What?!

Oh no!

He risked everything on that counterattack!

That was really reckless, Paulo...

But it did take the other team's leader out of the picture! Now's our chance!

All right! We won!

Aw, man... We lost.

(We won...)

(This approach works.)

Aw, man! I'm so bummed we lost!

But it was pretty close. If Rockruff didn't give his all on that last attack, who knows who would've won.

(When I was having that battle with Scottie...)

(If I'd just made the right decision then...)

(Maybe I would've won?)

You really surprised me, Paulo. That battle earlier wasn't your usual style.

Huh?

'Cause in the past, you never liked letting your Pokémon get hurt in battle.

I know you're just trying out different tactics, but still...

Sorry. I know it was pretty hard on him.

You should give him a treat later on, 'kay?

I know the reason why you're experimenting is because of all the new things you've seen here on Pasio.

I think that's a good thing.

I... I guess so. Thanks, Tina.

Hurry up! We're gonna be late for the assembly!

Hold on! I gotta check if I remembered to bring my Lift Key...

Team Rocket!

What's your problem? Yeah, we're Team Rocket. What of it?

Hm? You look familiar, kid...

Oh yeah, I remember you! So you finally decided to join us, eh?

What're you talking about? Paulo would never team up with people like you!

... ... ...

Never say never. There's a little bit of badness in everyone, y'know.

And Team Rocket welcomes anyone, even if they're only a little bad!

What's with the scowl? Fine, you just need a little convincing! We'll make you an offer you can't refuse!

Ugh. Now you're dragging us into a fight?

Just hand over your Pokémon, and we'll go easy on ya!

Shoot. Rockruff, can you hang in there just a bit longer?

Don't worry, Flareon and I can take care of anything Rockruff can't!

Our teamwork is unstoppable! Just watch!

Oof... These brats are stronger than I thought.

Come on! With your skills, you could become a top leader in Team Rocket! You shouldn't let a chance like this pass you by!

Is now really the time to be impressed?! At this rate, we're gonna lose!

Having trouble?

Boss?!

Um... Sir? Weren't you holding an assembly?

Yes, I was. But that's over now.

I...I'm so sorry, boss!

Giovanni!

Who's this dude?

He's the leader of Team Rocket and a skilled Trainer.

He's as strong as Red... Maybe even stronger!

Wha, ?!

We have to take him out! C'mon, Tina!

Y-yeah!

I suppose I should apologize for my subordinates and their rude behavior.

I'll take it from here. You children will be cowering in fear once I'm through with you!

Rockruff!

Paulo!

Hey!

No way...

That was genius, boss!

Yeah, how's that? You feelin' scared outta your wits yet?

You're just overpowering us with numbers! That's so unfair!

Heh. Unfair? I beg to differ.

Putting together the potential of many is how you produce a huge power... That's the strength of an organization!

You simply lack the power to match mine.

If you wish to take down Team Rocket, you'll have to assemble enough power to surpass mine. You'd do well to remember that.

Gehehe! All right, hand over your Pokémon!

W-wait!

Hm?

Don't take Tina's Pokémon...

Please, I'm begging you!

P...Paulo?

We're leaving.

S-sir? You sure about this?

Silence! You would have lost if I hadn't stepped in!

Eeep!

I only joined the battle because you were about to sully our reputation.

You have matters to attend to that take higher priority than stealing Pokémon from children, do you not?

If you understand, then get back to work! Immediately!

Y-yes, sir!

Did he just...let us off the hook?

I don't know.

Sheesh. I gotta train more so we don't lose to guys like that from now on.

No...that won't work.

Huh?

Training isn't going to be enough.

The only way is to get stronger... What I need is more power!

Paulo...

Waaaah! Waaaah!

C'mon, stop crying...

B-but...

(Yeah. From now on, I don't want to lose to anyone.)

(So...I have to get stronger.)